We might be cold in this early November, but just today I devoured my very first pre-hispanic Mexican candy, a turrón (a sweet, soft nougat cylinder, wrapped in colored cellophane or tissue paper that looks like an egg from Alien and tastes like a gift from the gods, mixed with a creamy honey feel), giving me yet another reason to warm up my heart in Puebla city. A turrón is just one of the hundreds of treasures spotted at El Parían.
“What’s El Parían like in Puebla’s provincials mecca?” you might dubiously ask the screen, but un-wrinkle your nose and cast your fears aside – it’s actually pretty great. For one, there is a grand chance to meet our neighbors and the potential for human interaction, which can be a prized commodity in this decidedly pedestrian-friendly city. And in addition to rows upon rows of organic produce, candy made from amaranth and pumpkin seeds, using honey or the syrup of maguey, corn, or cactus fruit, there is a whole other section devoted to handcrafted jewelry, fashion, books, records and trinkets.
So once your totes are brimming with things like, candy repertoire, traditional Mexican dresses, colorful outfits and costumes with a strong influence of Mayan and Spanish culture in them, refuel with a fresh pulque (alcoholic drink made from fermented cactus sap) and walk over to the other side to feed your closet monsters. Unique, hand-made jewelry, wide-brimmed hats, comfortable sandals, ironic toys, dresses swirled in technicolor, leaves dipped in precious metals and the occasional pair of leather chaps are sure to sate and mystify into the afternoon.
El parían happens from 8:00am to 7:30pm and every day at 6 Norte 205 in downtown.
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